Thing to do
Deira Gold Souk
Deira's covered gold market, where lanes of jewellers display necklaces, bangles and bridal sets in their windows, close to the spice souk and Dubai Creek.
Abra ride across Dubai Creek
A short crossing of Dubai Creek on a traditional wooden abra, the cheapest and most atmospheric way to travel between Bur Dubai and the Deira souks.
At a glance
- Type
- Traditional boat crossing
- Area
- Bur Dubai / Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Official site
- rta.ae
Good to know
- Runs from early morning
- Cash fares
Why we recommend it
Wooden abras have carried people across Dubai Creek for generations, and they remain a working form of public transport run by the Roads and Transport Authority. The crossing between Bur Dubai and Deira takes only a few minutes, but sitting low on the water among dhows, with the old souks on both banks and the wind towers of Al Fahidi behind you, it is one of the most memorable short journeys in the city, and one of the cheapest.
Boats leave from several stations along the creek, including Bur Dubai and the Old Souk on one side and Deira Old Souk and Al Sabkha on the other. You simply walk down to the landing, step aboard and sit on the central wooden bench with the other passengers. Each boat leaves as soon as it is full, so there is rarely more than a short wait. The standard fare is one dirham, and the boats run every few minutes from early morning, according to Visit Dubai. Keep a few coins handy.
The best times to ride are early morning, when the creek is busy with traders and the light is soft, and around sunset, when the water turns gold and the call to prayer drifts across from both banks. A single crossing is enough for most people, but if you want to see more of the waterway you can hire a whole abra by the hour for a private creek tour; agree the price and route with the boatman before you set off.
Stepping on and off involves a small gap and a slight drop, so the boats are not suitable for wheelchair users, and parents with buggies will need to lift them aboard. Hold on to hats and phones, as there are no sides to speak of.
The ride works best as part of a half day in old Dubai. Start in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood or at Al Shindagha Museum, walk through the Bur Dubai textile souk to the abra station, cross to Deira and explore the Spice Souk and the Gold Souk. Al Ghubaiba Metro station on the Green Line is a short walk from the Bur Dubai side, and Al Ras station is close to the Deira landings.
Abra ride across Dubai Creek FAQs
How much does it cost?
The standard crossing costs one dirham.
How often do abras run?
Every few minutes from early morning; each boat leaves when it is full.
Which stations are there?
Crossings link Bur Dubai and the Old Souk with Deira Old Souk and Al Sabkha.
How long is the crossing?
Only a few minutes.
Can I hire an abra privately?
Yes, you can hire a boat by the hour for a creek tour; agree price and route first.
Is it accessible for wheelchairs?
No, boarding involves a step and a gap, so it is not suitable for wheelchair users.
When is the best time to ride?
Early morning or around sunset.
What is nearby?
The Bur Dubai souk, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, and the Spice and Gold souks in Deira.